Manchester City claimed their first Premier League victory of 2026, bringing an end to a frustrating run of four games without a win. Pep Guardiola’s side returned to winning ways with a composed 2–0 home success against struggling Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Guardiola raised eyebrows before kick-off by leaving the club’s top scorer Erling Haaland on the bench. The responsibility up front was handed to Omar Marmoush — a decision that proved inspired. The Egyptian forward delivered the game’s defining moment, underlining his growing importance to City’s attacking options.

Wolves began cautiously, setting up with a back five in an attempt to contain City’s fluid attack. However, Manchester City quickly imposed their rhythm. Early on, debutant Marc Guehi came close to opening his account for the club, but his powerful header was comfortably dealt with by Jose Sa.

The breakthrough arrived in the sixth minute. Matheus Nunes burst down the flank and delivered a low cross into the box, where Omar Marmoush reacted quickest, getting ahead of his marker to steer the ball into the net for 1–0.

City remained in control throughout the first half and turned their dominance into a second goal shortly before the break. Bernardo Silva picked out Semenyo on the edge of the area, and the forward showed admirable composure to place his shot into the corner, doubling the lead at 2–0.

With the result effectively settled before half-time, Manchester City managed the game professionally after the restart, limiting Wolverhampton Wanderers to few clear chances. More importantly for Guardiola, his team rediscovered a sense of control and confidence.

2025-26, England - Premier League

Manchester City - Wolverhampton 2:0 (2:0)
Goals: Marmoush, 6 (1:0); Semenyo, 45 (2:0)

Manchester City: Donnarumma G.; Guehi; Khusanov; Reijnders (Foden, 61); Rodri; Bernardo Silva; Matheus Nunes; Cherki (Håland E., 73); O'Reilly; Marmoush (Doku J., 74); Semenyo
Substitution: Foden (from 61); Håland E. (from 73); Doku J. (from 74)
Bench: Trafford; Ake; Aït-Nouri; Alleyne; Lewis R.; Mukasa
Yellow Cards: Matheus Nunes 71

Wolverhampton: José Sá; Bueno H.; Bueno S.; Mosquera Y.; André; Gomes João; Krejčí L. II.; Arias J. (Strand Larsen, 46); Hwang H. (Arokodare, 71); Mane M.; Tchatchoua J. (Gomes R.M., 46)
Substitution: Strand Larsen (from 46); Gomes R.M. (from 46); Arokodare (from 71)
Bench: Johnstone S.; Doherty; Wolfe; Agbadou; Pedro Lima; Lopeez F.
Yellow Cards: André 57; Gomes João 67; Mosquera Y. 88